Welcome New Students! – 2018-19 Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School
“When I was in 7th grade, I had my first science fair and I won first place. That is when I knew what I wanted to do,” said Malynnda Aldridge-Johnson ‘20. “My teacher (at Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic Grade School) told me about a school called MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). I went home right after school and looked the school up and I have never been the same since.” Last summer, while participating in the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Malynnda had the opportunity to meet some MIT professors and visit the campus, making her dream of one day attending MIT seem a bit more real. While she was unable to travel to the east coast again this summer, Malynnda took it upon herself to study the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science courses through MIT’s Open Courseware program. Through her experience over the last two summers, Malynnda learned to embrace change and not to be afraid of failure. “We learned that even the greatest scientists failed, but they used those experiences to push them to where they are today.” In college, Malynnda would like to embrace her love of science and music by double majoring in Electrical Engineering and Music Technology.
As we begin our new school year with over 125 students enrolled, we must share the great news of our Graduating class of 2018! Graduation mass was filled with students, families, staff and supporters from our community to celebrate and witness the Class of 2018 receiving their diplomas.
64% of our graduates will be attending area Catholic high schools; Althoff Catholic High School-Belleville, IL, Gibault Catholic High School, Waterloo, IL, Nerinx Catholic High School, St. Louis, MO, Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School, St. Louis, MO, Belleville West High, SIUE Charter High School and Belleville East, IL. We are proud of all of our students and their accomplishments!
Awards and Recognition:
Students received various recognition and awards in many areas including Peacemaker All Year, National Junior Honor Society, “Boys To Men Excellence Award” and “Girlz Empowered Commitment to Excellence”, Violin Special Group and Liturgical Dance Ministry. They participated in Robotics, Community Service Projects and Spelling Bee among others. Awards received included Presidential Education and Citizenship Award and Best Sportsmanship.
Graduate Highlights
Nino is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Earned 100% on his US Constitution Test, Received the Presidential Education Award, Peacemaker All Year, Participated in Violin Special Group and Robotics. Nino received First Place in Ballroom Dance Rumba and Second Place Ballroom Dance Waltz competition. Nino is attending Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School this fall.
Nicole (left) and Money (right) received the Presidential Award for Citizenship, other accomplishments include:
Nicole is attending Nerinx Catholic High School in St. Louis, MO, joining two other STBCS alumni. She was also Peacemaker All Year.
Monye received a scholarship to attend Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL. She is President of the National Junior Honor Society, Peacemaker All Year, Participates in Liturgical Dance and Violin Special Group, placed First in the Ballroom Dance Rumba and Second place in Ballroom Dance Waltz competition and received the Best Sportsmanship Award.
Graduates lead the celebration of mass, Allen and Keadon (left). Fr. Carroll Mizicko, OFM (right)
Dear Sister Thea Bowman Families,
As we prepare for the school year, we have several important dates coming up:
BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK FAIR
Location: Belleville West High School
Date/Time Information: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 5-7pm
NEW STUDENT TESTING:
We would like to test all new students to our school in grades K-8. Please bring your student(s) to the school either:
Thursday: Aug 9 from 12 – 2, or
Friday: Aug 10 from 10 – 12.
Testing will last from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on their grade level.
SIGN REPAIR IN FRONT OF SCHOOL:
Come help us get the sign back up in front of the school. Bring: Work Clothes, shovels, and time. No experience needed. Please contact the office if you can join us.
Thursday 5 – 7 PM
WELCOME BACK BBQ and New Family Orientation Ice Cream Social:
All families are welcome to join us for a Welcome Back Family BBQ on Sunday, Aug 12. BBQ starts at 4 PM. New Family Orientation at 5:30 PM and Ice Cream Follows. Come meet all the families and enjoy Hamburgers and Hot Dogs.
Blessings and Peace,
Dan Nickerson
Principal
On Wednesday, August 8th, 2018, the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee will host their annual Back to School Fun Fair at Belleville West High School from 5 – 7 p.m. for participating Chamber member school students including Sr. Thea Bowman. Families in attendance will receive valuable information from our business leaders while participating in activities that will allow them to leave with a backpack full of school supplies in preparation for the new school year. The event will celebrate the new school year with games, activities, dental and physical exams and more.
The Education Committee hopes to provide up to 1,000 backpacks for our school-age children.
PRINCIPAL’S NOTE
Last night, I was blessed to attend a discussion on and film debut of “Then I Knew”. It is a local documentary about being African American in Southern Illinois. You can find the related article and series on BND.com. One important aspect that kept repeating was the importance of COMMUNITY.
ENROLLMENT OPEN!!! REDUCED RATE IS EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 1, 2018.
Invite families and friends to join our Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School COMMUNITY.
DENTAL SAFARI MAY 3rd
Do we have your Consent Form? We need it ASAP! Forget appointments, we’ll do the work May 3!
SUMMER SESSION
Letters and applications are out. We need to plan numbers and staff, so please return your registration quickly! Summer Session for K – 8 students this summer from May 30 – Jun 19. Breakfast and lunch will be offered.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION FAMILY BBQ
The PTO is planning an end of the year FAMILY BBQ to build COMMUNITY. It will be Friday, May 11 starting at 3:00 PM, with food starting at 4 PM. Please be a part of this important event for our school COMMUNITY.
STAFF MEETING and 12:30 DISMISSAL: MONDAY, MAY 7
TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY: TUESDAY, MAY 8
We are participating in Give STL Day this year! Please consider donating to Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic School on Give STL Day, Wednesday, May 2.
PRINCIPAL’S NOTE
Thank you to our students, staff, and Artisan Teachers, and especially God for making our Spring Concert a wonderful praise of God and celebration of Sister Thea Bowman! Be a Shooting Star For God!!!
ENROLLMENT OPEN!!! REDUCED RATE IS EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 1, 2018.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL (SECRETARY) DAY
Honor your favorite School Secretary with a card……
DENTAL SAFARI MAY 3rd
Do we have your Consent Form? Forget appointments, make this happen this next month for free!
SUMMER SESSION
Letters and applications are out. We need to plan numbers and staff, so please return your registration quickly! Summer Session for K – 8 students this summer from May 30 – Jun 19. Breakfast and lunch will be offered.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION FAMILY BBQ
The PTO is planning an end of the year FAMILY BBQ. It will be Friday, May 11 starting at 3:00 PM, with food starting at 4 PM. Make this a success for our families and get involved. You will be contacted this week!
IOWA ASSESSMENT NEXT WEEK
We will have our Spring Iowa Assessments Tuesday – Thursday next week. Please encourage your students to do well, as good results help us with grants and donations for Tuition Assistance. Also, please have them here early for a good breakfast each morning!!!
PRINCIPAL’S NOTE
As we celebrate the most important week of the Christian faith, Holy Week, we have hope because Jesus died for our sins, but more importantly, Jesus rose from death on the third day for our Salvation. Have a Blessed Easter as you celebrate this Sunday!
IL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUR STUDENTS
If you need assistance with part two of the application, please contact the school for an appointment. You will be notified of actual scholarship awards by May.
CAMP ONDESSONK
Camp Ondessonk wants your student!!! Visit Ondessonk.com/giving/scholarships today!!!
EASTER BREAK
Enjoy Easter Break from Thursday, 29 March until Monday, April 2. We will see you all bright and early on Tuesday, April 3.
EXTENDED DAY
Session 6 begins Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Please turn in your registration and fees by Tuesday.
SUMMER SESSION
Never too early to plan ahead. We plan to offer Summer Session for K – 8 students this summer from May 30 – Jun 19. K-5 and 7, 8 will run from 8:30 – 12:15 with lunch. 6th grade Summer Session will run 8:30 – 3 PM. Summer Session will be based on academic level, not grade level, and will be offered based on student sign-up.
SPRING CONCERT
Please start to look for the Black and White outfit for Spring Concert. If you need help, please contact the office. Mark your calendar for our Spring Concert, Sunday, April 15 at 3 PM. All students attend. Dance Ministry, Ballroom Dance, Violin, and Choir! Dress Rehearsal on Apr 13 at 10 AM
VISION AND HEARING TESTING
Free Vision and Hearing Tests will be given to our students on April 19, 2018.
STAFF MEETING AND EARLY DISMISSAL, APR 9 12:30
